Mtaa Buzz – Page 8 – Mukuru Youth Initiative

3May, 2023

How Do You Get Through A Break Up?

*Participants during Coffee Bar Tuesday*. Photo: Julius Rasat

For the last weeks and months, we have seen or heard people killing and doing unspeakable things to their partners as a result of break up/divorce with the majority being young people. This week’s Coffee Bar Tuesday focused on different mechanisms that people use to cope with relationship break-ups/divorces without resulting to violence as we have seen in recent cases happening in Kenya and all over the world.

The topic came at the right time since it stirred different emotions and people really shared their personal experiences and how they dealt with the situation as best as they thought fit. With May being Mental Health Awareness Month, majority of discussions dont touch on how to handle breakups thus why needed to have the discussion. The discussion was meant to create a platform to share how we managed to overcome break up and through this, we can all learn or pick something.

From the discussion, more than half of the participants have gone through a break up with different courting time frames. We noted that how long you have been in a relationship and how much you have invested in it in terms of resources (money, time and feelings) plays a key role on how hard the break up will hit you. In an example, 1 participant was in a relationship for 1 week while the other was in a relationship for 7 years. These two people will cope with the break up differently.

“I was in a relationship for 7 years and I had invested so much in it. One day while at work, my relationship ended with a text message. She sent me a text stating that she can’t continue with the relationship, I was confused and became numb.” One participant said

Coping with a relationship break-up can be challenging and can take time. Some of the points shared by the participants during the discussion on how they cope with break ups include, usage of substance and drug abuse, too much of gambling, looking for rebound sex, clubbing and gaming while others would just be alone and crying. It was also pointed out that there’s no right way to cope with breakup or divorce, you just have to have a positive mechanism that doesn’t hurt anyone or yourself.

During the discussion, we also noted that the majority of people in relationships don’t really think about their partners before ending the relationships. One participant stated that his relationship ended with a text message. The person who invests much is the person who gets hurt much.

There are better ways to overcome any type of break up without resulting in harm. During the discussion, we picked a few mechanisms that have worked for different participants. Here are mechanisms that can help you get through a breakup/divorce.

Allow Yourself To Grieve:

It’s always important to acknowledge and accept your emotions, including sadness, anger, and disappointment. At any point during the break up, you should give yourself permission to feel what you’re feeling without judgment. One of the participants agreed that after a short period of crying, she finally moved on and accepted that the relationship was over and it worked for her. You should never feel ashamed of your sadness or grief.

Lean On A Support System:

We all need to have a support system, anyone would love to have someone standing or reassuring them that everything will be okay. It’s okay to reach out to your friends and family for emotional support. They can be a great source of comfort during that difficult time. One participant actually shared how her parents supported her and gave her a leaning shoulder when she was heartbroken. Even your friends can be a good support system. Another participant shared how his friends made jokes about his break up only to find that it was a good mechanism since his friends never judged him and stood by him all through the process.

Take Care Of Yourself:

Self-care is important after a break-up. Make sure you’re eating well, exercising, and getting enough rest. You should engage yourself in activities that make you happy and give you a sense of purpose. One of the participants shared how the break-up messed her up and she stopped doing the things that made her happy such as dancing, singing, cooking among others. At some point, she stopped taking care of herself but once she realized her value, she made an effort to love herself and started doing the things she used to love doing like which really helped her to move on positively.

Practice Mindfulness:

During break up or any point of life, you should always know that you come first. Try to stay present in the moment and focus on your breath. Mindfulness can help you manage your emotions and reduce stress. Majority of the participants agreed that staying present in the moment and not dwelling in the past worrying about the whys and hows the relationship ended really worked for them.

Acceptance: The best way to move forward is accepting your current situation. People also pointed out that accepting the situation is one of the ways people can move forward after a break-up. This has worked for so many people. Acceptance is the first step to healing.

Seek Professional Help:

If you’re struggling to cope with your emotions, consider seeing a counselor. They can provide you with tools and strategies to help you navigate this difficult time. Majority of young people have trust issues, there’s always the fear of being judged or your story being shared everywhere. Talking to a counselor will help you solve this and get you all the help needed.

The points raised by the participants during the discussion however are not professional as they came from personal experience.

Before a relationship comes to its knees, there are signs that things are not working as they used to or signs of being hurt. So many times we tend to ignore these signs and desperately hope that things will fall back in place. The ignored red flags will always come to haunt you in the future. You should always be cautious and keen when it comes to red flags in a relationship. See you on Tuesday!

26Apr, 2023

Teenage Pregnancies = Silent Pandemic?

*Participant during Coffee Bar Tuesday*. Photo: Evans jomo

According to the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), teenage pregnancies in Kenya have dropped to 15 percent from 18 percent. This implies that about 2 in every 5 teenage girls between the ages of 15-19 years have either had a live birth or are pregnant with their first child.

This week’s discussion focused on getting to understand what contributes to the high number of teenage pregnancies. With low representation from ladies, it was also a good opportunity for the young men to share what they think contributes to this, their roles and what we can do to address this silent pandemic. This is one of the most engaging topics that we have conducted that touches on something that affects the majority of young girls not only in Mukuru but the whole of Kenya.

With the question of the day being what contributes to these worrying and trending numbers – participants shared some very valid and shocking points on this silent pandemic. Without us understanding the root causes, it shall be hard for different stakeholders to address this and its effects. As a result of different family situations, young poor semi-educated girls have become premature mothers, at the cost of their education and development.

Some of the contributing factors highlighted during the discussion were lack of sexual and reproductive health rights education, lack of good rapport between the teens and their parents, poverty, harmful cultural practices, unavailability and availability of contraceptives, baby fever, peer pressure, adults taking advantage of the teens situation, drug and substance abuse, lack of parental guidance in sexual matters and others feeling that the girls are more informed than the boys creating a disparity.

With Mukuru being a case study, poverty and baby fever were pointed out as the main contributors of teenage pregnancies within the informal settlements. The inability of some parents to provide for their children results in teenage girls sleeping with men to buy food and other necessities for their parents. Another contributor is young women choosing to become mothers at an early age which is nowadays referred to as baby fever– this is a situation where a girl wants a child because someone else has a child – within Mukuru and other places and has been a contributor for a while.

Many studies have stated that teen mothers are less likely to complete high school and they are also much more likely to not complete college. This puts them at a disadvantage when it comes time to find a good paying job translating to the cycle of poverty. Not many of the teen mothers get a chance to live with the fathers of their children leaving the majority of them out there suffering. These children appear from nowhere; the teens are being impregnated by men out there. We cannot call for change if we are not ready to change. Men also have a role to play in addressing this since they are the perpetrators of these teen pregnancies.

During the conversation, sex for water was also a point of reference where women were being exploited sexually for them to get the basic commodity. This is also happening to our girls, where they are being lured into having unprotected sex in order for them to get sanitary towels among other necessities.

There are many ways in which we can curb this menace but the majority of them touch on us playing our different roles accordingly. Being a role model to children and girls around you was one of the ways highlighted during the discussion.

‘You cannot be a drunkard and expect your children to be different from you. You cannot be doing unspeakable things and wait for different results. We must be good role models to our children and build a rapport with our children.” Participant said

For us to curb this silent pandemic and make adolescent girls become responsible adults in the future, it will require all of us to put our efforts from every angle. We are calling for different partners, non-governmental organizations and governments to effectively scale up public sensitization on teenage pregnancies to reduce the consequences. In agreement, we must be our brothers keepers: you cannot be a bystander of someone having sexual relations with a minor. You must report that pedophile.

One participant said “spoil your sister for her not to be spoiled by another man” meaning you should create opportunities for your sister in order to prevent her from seeking somewhere else. In this case, your sister is any girl who is around you, it doesn’t have to be your biological sister. Join us in the next discussion as we discuss the effects of teen pregnancy and its effects on the teens mother, the child, the family, workforce and the economy. See you on Tuesday!

12Apr, 2023

Mental Health And Drug And Substance Abuse

*Participants during Coffee Bar Tuesday.* Photo: Evans Jomo

People take drugs for many different reasons but at the end of day they all affect your normal body function. This week’s discussion focused on why people take drugs and how it affects their mental well-being. Our discussion focused on common drugs which are available to residents of Mukuru such as bhang, cocaine, mandrax, tobacco, khat alcohol, chang’aa and other ones known as mawhite and mayellow.

With the majority of the participants being young people, it was noted that the earlier you begin to use drugs, the more vulnerable they become to both short term and long-term harmful effects in both your mental and physical being. Majority of these effects are unnoticeable meaning you can’t notice them in the early stages of consumption. Substance use has been associated with increased risk for a number or outcomes such as impaired peer relationships, addiction, crime, mental illness, increased risk for suicide, hallucinations, high-risk sexual behavior, disorders, HIV/AIDS, disrupted learning, absenteeism, school drop-out among others.

Mental health is critically important to everyone all over the world. However, how you take care of your mental state is different from everyone else. With the majority of people using different ways of coping mechanisms, drug and substance abuse has made their mental state worse resulting in different mental illnesses and disorders. When someone with a mental illness uses drugs, medical practitioners refer to this as ‘dual diagnosis’. Meaning you’re using drugs to treat the disorder.

Mukuru is one place that is known to have easy access to any type of drug. The availability of the drugs has made it easy for young people to consume. With less than 20, you can consume a drug or substance that would make you high. Some people with a mental illness have problems using alcohol. Considering alcohol is legal, many people tend to use it more than any other type of drug. A person’s long-term effects on alcohol are also determined by the amount and frequency of alcohol consumption. The harmful effects of excessive drinking can be severe, both physically and mentally.

We asked young people why they use drugs or any substance and some of the reasons pointed out were stress, peer pressure, curiosity, insomnia, availability of the substance, improving the brain’s functionality, fun and others as a way of life. Although drug use and addiction can happen at any time during a person’s life, adolescents are at higher risks of experiencing the effects of the consumption for long.

It was interesting to find out that there are people who have never taken or consumed any type of drug with them pointing out that the effects of drugs kept them off. Others have lost family members due to drug and substance abuse thus why they can’t engage in consuming any type of drug.

“I was raised in a home where my parents were very strict. There was no way you were allowed to walk with anyone who uses drugs. I remember I was beaten because there were rumors that I was hanging around with someone who was known to use drugs.” Participant said

You never realize your addict till you get to a point you can’t operate without consuming it. It’s probably an addiction and your mental state isn’t normal if you notice a change in your own or another person’s emotions, thoughts or behaviors. Some drugs may temporarily reduce symptoms of mental illness, but they can also make them worse.

Through stories of change, participants who overcame drug and substance abuse were able to share how they overcame the addiction or the urge. With the majority pointing out that the use of drugs was draining them mentally, financially, emotionally and physically.

We call for more collaboration in addressing environments that influence mental health and strengthening the mental health care systems. Young people and everyone must be able to access mental health services. If drug use affects your mental health, don’t be afraid to ask for help. You can reach out to us through our social media platforms. See you on Tuesday!

5Apr, 2023

Who Pays The Bill – Him Or Her?

Paying the bills during dates is always a controversial subject, with people giving different opinions on how to handle it. Some people believe the person who initiated the date conversation should pay; some think this is man’s responsibility and sometimes people dictate who pays based on how the date is going (courting, dating, one night stand or marriage). This week’s #CoffeeBarTuesday focused on who is supposed to pay for the bills during a date in relevance to the rising cases of kukula fare.

Our conversation focused on the power dynamics of a relationship and why there’s a need to have clear information on the objective of the date. Majority of participants felt that paying bills during a date should be a man’s role and should never be on a lady’s back. It was also felt by the majority that chances of getting a lady who can take you out and pay for the bills are very minimal out there.

We have heard of different women being invited to dates and they don’t turn up; this has resulted in women being violated sexually. The person who is invited for the date should be not able to cater for the bills and also the objective of the date also plays a critical role on who pays the bill leaving the benefit of the doubt that women can also pay the bills.

We have also heard of people who have gone on dates and they end up washing utensils. Others have also been taken to dates where they are left to pay for bills unwillingly since the person who was to cater for the bills disappeared. We have also heard dates are kind of a platform to have a “free meal” which at the end creates unwanted profiling and being violated out of this. This is a result of the two not having a clear objective on what’s the end goal of the date.

We also agreed that there are men who believe that a woman should never pay for any bills; their masculinity doesn’t allow.

“Hio nguvu ya kwenda date na dem alafu alipe bill nyi huota wapi? Mimi hakuna siku ntakubali dem alipe bill yenye niko, as a man I should man up and pay the bill.” Participant said

One of the key points that arose during the discussion is there are many people who don’t believe that women should pay for the date bills. This is from the relationship they have been to and the close friends they have. Others felt if your circle doesn’t have any lady who has paid for a date before, then it becomes hard for you to believe a woman can cater for date bills.

The bills start from transport to turn up to the date, the meals and drinks and the transport back. The “kukula fare” slang has been used as a way to profile ladies who are sent transport money but don’t turn up during the date. Out of this kukula fare, men are afraid to invite ladies for dates or they fix them to pay for the date after turning up.

It was also noted that at times some people do suggest where to go for dates but they don’t pay for any bill. For them, they only love going to dates but cannot pay. It may be helpful to talk to him/her about how to pay for dates in a way that’s financially beneficial to both of you if you’re in a relationship.

A couple who are in a serious relationship, don’t have any hustle paying or splitting the bills; they have my money, our money slang. These people will always be comfortable without thinking who caters for the bills. We all agreed that it can be a turn off if you’re on a date and you’re the one who made the plans but cannot be able to pay for bills.

In modern dating, men aren’t expected to pay for every date, women can also pay. If you decide to initiate a date, choose somewhere you are comfortable covering the full bill. At the end of the day, it is up to you two what works well for your relationship. It’s important that you discuss your financial concerns with your partner to prevent any ill feelings about money between you in the future. You can split the bill if both of you insist on paying, especially if you both chose the location. There’s no guidelines on who should pay the bills, if you’re in a position to pay just pay. See you on Tuesday!

29Mar, 2023

Financial Literacy – A Need For Young People!

*Participants during Coffee Bar Session.* Photo: Evans Jomo

What are some of the financial/saving plans that are there? Do you think this information is accessible to young people out there? Do you think young people have information on where they can invest their money and gain returns? These questions created a baseline for our conversation and answered questions on how young people can tap into some of the plans and be able to have financial freedom and gains. If you take a walk around asking young people what kind of bank accounts they have or own, the majority of them have no idea on the type of account they have.

We asked the same question to our participants during the coffee bar and to confirm this, 19 people do have bank accounts and only 4 have an idea of what type of account they have. The four have a salary account, fixed account credit account and savings account. For your information, the majority of banks have different accounts such as salary accounts, savings accounts, fixed accounts, recurring deposit accounts, money market accounts, and brokerage accounts among others. Keep in mind these types of accounts vary from one bank to another.

There are several reasons why most young people do not invest their money with lack of jobs and lack of information on financial literacy being among the top reasons. Many young people don’t have any money left over to invest because of their lifestyle. However, even the employed don’t have or understand how and where to invest their small money thus why this financial literacy was the topic of the day.

Here are some of the financial and savings plans where young people can tap in to.

Savings Account

A savings account is an account where your money earns you interest. The safety and reliability of these accounts make them great options for parking cash you wish to keep available for short-term needs. You can make your hard-earned money work for you with a savings account with one of the best bank interest rates in Kenya. Interest is based on the day-end balances in the savings account and interest rate varies from 1% to 7%. The interest rate will be determined by your bank, money saved and period.

Fixed Deposit Account

A fixed deposit account is an investment account where a customer deposits a specified amount of money for a certain/fixed period of time. Through this, the fixed amount accumulates interests for the period the money is held in the account. Fixed deposits are almost the same as savings accounts. The only difference is you cannot access your money for an agreed fixed period like one, three, six months or a year. Different banks allow KShs 20,000 as a minimum fixing amount. Your savings can earn you between 4% – 7% for the period locked. The interest rate will be determined by your savings, your bank and period fixed.

Money Market Funding

A money market fund is a type of interest-earning savings account. Before investing elsewhere or making an anticipated investment, money market funds are a good place to park money. They are not suitable as long-term investments. Among investment options, money market funds are considered to be extremely low-risk. They also offer relatively high returns to investors compared t traditional savings accounts. Most Money Market Fundings offer returns on investments ranging from 7.0% to 10.6% annually. The interests also vary from one financial institution to another.

Treasury Bills

Treasury bills are short-term investment or units; in simple words these are debts also known as government debt, meaning that you are investing in the Kenyan Government. They offer you returns after a relatively short commitment of funds. This means that investors choose the amount that they will receive when the bill matures, or the face value of the bill, and pay less than that amount when purchasing it. Treasury bills mature in 91, 182 or 364 days, so you will receive your returns within three, six or 12 months. The first step to investing in Treasury bills is to open a CDS account with the Central Bank. To open a CDS account, you need to hold a bank account with a Kenyan commercial bank. Read more Here

Treasury Bonds

Treasury bonds are a secure, medium- to long-term investment and are units of government debt, meaning that you are investing in the Kenyan Government. They offer you interest payments every six months throughout the bond’s maturity. The Central Bank auctions Treasury bonds on a monthly basis, but offers a variety of bonds throughout the year, so prospective investors should regularly check for upcoming auctions. Treasury bonds are auctioned every month, providing ample investment opportunities for diverse financial needs. Treasury bonds are offered for a set amount of years, ranging, to date, from one to 30 years. The difference between bills and bonds and timeframe. Read more here

Sacco

A Sacco is usually a group of similar minded people, registered by the Ministry of Cooperatives, and authorized to receive deposits and provide loans to members. This is also a savings plan that is more conducive to young people since it doesn’t require much money as savings. Members are required to save consistently and this, in turn cultivates the discipline of saving frequently. Some Saccos also have a minimum monthly savings amount that is aimed at helping members keep up with their savings goals. The beauty of sacco is you are able to get dividends at the end of the sacco’s financial year. Some saccos offer dividends of between 6% – 18% per share; keeping in mind this varies from one sacco to another. The other benefit is you are able to access a loan 3 times your savings, meaning if you have saved Kshs 30,000, you are able to access 90,000. However, the saccos also have their other bad side such that you need a guarantor for you to get a loan.

Shares

Owning a share is the same as owning a piece of the company. When you buy a share in a company, you’re effectively becoming a part owner of that company. Its true that young people are not investing because they do not understand the process involved with buying/selling shares and how the market works. The Nairobi Securities Exchange is the official stock exchange in Kenya. It is the central marketplace where buyers and sellers of Kenyan shares meet to trade. Ndindi Nyoro started buying Kenya Power and Lighting Company shares in his first year at Kenyatta University. Currently, he is the top individual shareholder meaning it’s possible for young people to join this investment venture. People buy shares to make a profit from buying and selling securities and to earn dividends and capital gains from being a shareholder. You must also know that when buying a share of a company, you must be ready to share both losses and profits together.

MShwari

This is a savings account but being hosted by Safaricom. It allows M-Shwari customers to save for a defined purpose and for a period of time. There’s a difference between Mshwari and Mshwari Lock Savings and in this case our focus is on the lock savings. The funds saved on the M-Shwari Lock Savings will be kept in the account until the maturity date. The M-Shwari Lock Savings Account is ideal for customers looking for higher interest rates and those wishing to keep money away safely for a short period. Majority of us do save money on the normal Mshwari where it doesn’t give you any interest. The Mshwari Lock savings account earns an interest between 5% – 7% per annum. The interest rate is constant during the investment period and is calculated daily and paid out at maturity. Read More Here

Disclaimer: This is not from a financial expert but from research and reference from people already doing it.

As a young person, you need to learn how to make money while you are sleeping and make your money work for you. The sooner you start investing, the better for you. It’s also good to note that some of these financial plans need more advice and due diligence before investing in them. Keeping in mind there is no guarantee that you’ll make money from investments you make.

It is better to start early, even if it is a small amount to start with. But getting the facts on saving and investing and following through with a well outlined plan, as a young person you should be able to gain financial security over the years and enjoy the benefits of managing your money. We also challenge financial institutions to work with young people in disseminating such information. See you on Tuesday!

22Mar, 2023

Childhood Trauma – Do you Remember it?

*Participants during coffee bar.* Photo: Julius Rasat

What you went through as a child could play a huge role in what you do, how you react, how you behave or even how you talk as a person. This week’s #CoffeeBarTuesday, our discussion changed to group therapy where we shared some of the traumatic events that went through or witnessed while we were young. At one point or another, we all have been through a traumatic event that we have never shared or it still bothers and hurts us. Some of these traumatic events have made society normalize, passing them to generations.

A traumatic event is a frightening, dangerous, or violent event that poses a threat to a child’s life or bodily integrity. Witnessing a traumatic event that threatens the life or physical security of a loved one can also be traumatic. This is particularly important for young children as their sense of safety depends on the perceived safety of their attachment figures. Source NCTSN

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is estimated that 40 million children aged below 15 years fall victim to violence each year. Save the Children, a non governmental organization did publish a document having 700 cases of sexual abuse of children in a single country. These are just not numbers but children who have gone through traumatic events.

Another example given was, if you grew up with a single parent because one left or died, this will affect your decision making when it comes to marriage. You will get someone going through much hurt because they don’t want their children to experience what they went through. This has affected so many people to a point they would rather experience any form of sexual and gender based violence than leave the toxic relationship.

Some of the traumatic events known to many include physical, sexual, or psychological abuse, neglect, loss of a loved one, family or relationship violence, accidents, sickeness, undergone FGM, and family breakups. The traumas vary according to the severity of the violence and the child’s personal experience which in the long run can have medical and psychosocial consequences.

During the discussion, we were able to note that some of the traumatic events such as family violence/gender based violence contributes to our way of life. I.e one participant pointed out that if they witness any form of gender based violence they always intervene with violence. This has affected their lives to a point they can’t control themselves. Research indicates that children who grow or witness violence are more likely to beat up their partners when they become adults compared to those who grew up in non-violent homes.

We all have been through so much that we have normalized it and adapted it as our way of life. During the discussion, everyone had their own different story to a point some became emotional while sharing. This clearly shows we are not okay and there’s a need to seek help. Imagine passing what you went through to your children because you never seek help. In case you would like to share or talk to a counselor, kindly reach out through our social media platforms or visit offices in Mukuru Kwa Reuben. It’s okay not to be okay. See you on Tuesday!

16Mar, 2023

How Are Young People Surviving? High Cost Of Living!

*Partcipants during Coffee Bar Tuesday*. Photo: Evans Jomo

With the current high cost of living, how are people surviving? How are young people surviving? How are they coping and do they have coping mechanisms? What opportunities are there for young people? Our #CoffeeBarDiscussion focused on how young people are surviving during these hard times. Young people lead with the high rate of unemployment, crime rate, drug and substance abuse, early pregnancies among other social vices.

Business Daily indicates that of the 10.1 million Kenyans out of jobs, 2.5 million are actively looking for work while 7.6 million are inactive, either because they don’t need jobs or have given up looking for them. With sluggish corporate earnings leading to job cuts and hiring freezes, young people are the hardest hit by joblessness compared to their older counterparts.

Out of the 26 participants during the discussion, 3 are fully employed, 4 are self-employed, 2 are doing casual jobs while the rest don’t have anywhere specific to get their daily bread. As one participant shared, they survive by the Grace of God. This translates to the state of young people not being able to access opportunities which are there and also the government not being able to create more job opportunities.

We asked the 15 how they are surviving and here are some of the response they gave :- 1 survives by making sure they cut their expenditures remaining with only basic needs, 9 survive by looking for manual jobs, 2 a survive through their parents support since they are students, 2 survive through support from friends and 1 survives by making sure that he’s single. One of the participants believes that being single is one way of cutting costs and avoiding unnecessary spending.

“Being single means I don’t have someone expecting me to take them out on dates, means no one is expecting me to buy them gifts or pay anything for them. I only cater for my needs and wants only”

After understanding how young people are surviving, the conversation continued through participants sharing opportunities where others can apply or engage with. This was through platforms, job opportunities, vacancies and openings at different companies and organizations. We also shared how to protect our mental health especially for those who don’t have a way of making a living, it’s very easy to find a coping mechanism and that is how you get yourself indulging and engaging in social vices and becoming an addict or losing yourself in the process.

We have seen young people losing their lives because of how they are making their living. Young people are at a very high risk of engaging in crime activities in order to make a living. Some have lost lives through crime, where they steal and get mob justice or being shot, others have engaged in reckless drug and substance abuse as a coping mechanism and through that they are not able to get back on track.

We are happy that through the Coffee bar Tuesday space, participants were able to understand some platforms where they can earn some cash such as social media platforms and apps like Wowzi for those in the social media space. We also shared other job opportunities and vacancies in different companies and organizations where participants were encouraged to apply.

Through the discussion, it’s clear that young people don’t have information on some of the opportunities surrounding them. It’s also clear that we all look for opportunities from high end people and companies without utilizing the people close to us. It’s also evident that opportunities are there but the spaces to share those opportunities are scarce and are not accessible to and by everyone.

We also urged participants to engage in learning or perfecting a skill that would employ them. As an organization, we believe in creating space where young people can share opportunities and connect them with the opportunities. We also believe that through employment, young people will not engage themselves in social vices and it aligns with our organization’s vision – to have a community that is free from social vices and youths who are focused on seeing the community develop both socially and economically. See you on Tuesday!

9Mar, 2023

What’s The Difference Between PEP and PrEP?

*Participants during Coffee Bar Tuesday. Photo Courtesy: Julius Rasat*

Do you think you are at risk of contracting HIV? This question was the topic of the discussion with the majority of the participants stating that they are not at risk of being infected. The #CoffeeBarSession hosted young people from Mukuru with PEP and PrEP being at the center of the discussion.

How many times have you heard of a condom bursting? How many times have you had sexual intercourse with multiple partners? How many times have you heard of rape cases? Does that put you at risk?

PEP and PrEP discussion came at a better time when young people are not aware of how they work and the difference. Out of 27 participants, 25 have never heard of these types of medicines. This is a clear indication that there’s less information and this is also a contributing factor on the rise of HIV infections among young people.

We dwelled in understanding the difference between the two drugs and also who is at risk of getting HIV with a lot of people getting confused and shocked that there are actually medicines that can prevent HIV. 7 people have heard of PEP since its usually given after someone has been exposed through sexual assault such as rape. The difference between Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and Post exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is one is taken before exposure while the other is taken after you have been exposed.

How is it possible that we have a drug that protect us and the drug is not known to many, do they want us to get infected or what is their own motive.

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is antiretroviral medicine taken by HIV negative individuals to prevent getting HIV. If you don’t have HIV but have a high risk of contracting the virus, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) may be an option for you. Taking this medication once a day can greatly reduce your chances of developing HIV.

PrEP is for you if have had anal or vaginal sex in the past 6 months, you have a sexual partner who is HIV positive, you have not consistently used a condom or have been diagnosed with an STD in the past 6 months. This type of medicine is meant for people who don’t live with HIV but have higher chances of developing the condition.

PEP better known as post-exposure prophylaxis, is a short course of HIV medicines taken very soon after a possible exposure to HIV to prevent the virus from taking hold in your bodyThe medicine must be taken within 72 hours (3 days) after a possible exposure to HIV, or it won’t work. The drug is usually taken on emergency cases and is not meant for regular use by people who may be exposed to HIV frequently.

A lady participant pointed out that with the help of organization within Mukuru and beyond have in the frontline of sensitizing women and girls on PrEP and PEP leaving men and boys out the conversation. It was also noted that condom is the most used way of protecting yourself from being infected. However, majority were not aware that as soon as the condom bursts, you are also at risk of being infected.

Different reports indicate that people below 29 years are at higher risk of contracting the virus. Kenya may not achieve its quest to combat HIV/Aids if the current wave of new infections among adolescents and the youth is not contained and addressed. The first step is making sure that New HIV infections are contained by is by making sure information such as PrEP and PEP is not known out there. There’s need to have a vigorous campaign on PEP and PrEP. Young girls are being sexually violated and are not aware of any medication that would protect them from HIV.

We are all at risk of getting HIV, especially young people. Looking at the rate of teenage pregnancies and infections, we all need to take PrEP. Remember prevention is better than cure. In case you hear someone has been raped or a condom bursts, visit the office immediately.

As an organization, we continue to create safe spaces where young people can unlearn and learn. We believe in community that is well empowered and understands how the world its changing. Kindly note that the information shared here is not from a doctor. You need to visit the hospital for information and guidance. See you on Tuesday!

3Feb, 2023

MHUB Producer Misee

Music on safe hands

The MuYI Hub Studio offers a space for recording podcasts, voiceovers, and other audio projects at an affordable price. The studio is equipped with the necessary technology and equipment to ensure high-quality recordings. Our Head studio producer, Misee, will be available to assist with any technical needs and to ensure that your recording session runs smoothly. Book your slot at the MuYI Hub Studio today to get started on your audio project.

Misee is a highly experienced and skilled professional in the audio production industry. His extensive background in various roles within the industry, as well as his work with notable artists, make him well-suited to lead the MuYI Hub Studio and provide high-quality recordings for clients. The MuYI Hub Studio, under Misee’s guidance, offers an affordable option for recording podcasts, voiceovers, and other audio projects for anyone looking for a professional studio space.

In addition to his professional experience and expertise, Misee’s passion for music and the industry make him a valuable asset to the MuYI Hub Studio. His background in teaching and lecturing also means that he is well-suited to work with and mentor young, aspiring audio professionals in the Mukuru community. Misee’s dedication to transforming the music industry in a positive way aligns with the mission of MuYI to empower and support young change makers in the community.

He’s very passionate in making sure upcoming artists understand the music industry as a business, the laws governing it and ways in which they can improve their music career. At the MuYI Hub Studio we guarantee you the best output using your vision as an artist. We bring knowledge, experience, professionalism and quality to your music.We are located at the Reuben Stadium in Mukuru Kwa Reuben.

2Feb, 2023

How Do You Manage Expectations In A Relationship?

*Coffee Bar Discussions. Photo: Julius Rasat*

Have you ever wondered if your expectations in a relationship are too high or even too low? We all begin a relationship with expectations of being treated with kindness, love, affection, dignity, respect and so much more. But is that the reality? This week’s Coffee Bar Tuesday, we focused on what to do if your expectations are not met and how to manage them in a relationship?

Your expectations in a relationship tell more about the other person and how serious the relationship is. Your expectations also answers questions such as is the person you are dating really the one? Is the person you’re dating serious about you, or should you leave the long-term relationship you’ve held onto. Your expectation should not tolerate any emotional or physical abuse. In the end, you expect your partner to be loyal and make a life together.

With the discussion being led by young people who are usually the culprits of expecting more than the other party can deliver or fulfill. We started by asking, what do you expect in a relationship? Different people with different expectations, some of the expectations pointed out were respect, honesty, caring, love, empathy, support, someone being there for you, physical intimacy, clear communication, friendship among others.

A participant highlighted how expectations can shape dynamics, influence tone, and cultivate a sense of safety and support within a relationship. Other participants felt that having to lower expectations will protect you from any misunderstandings or conflicts. It was also pointed out that any relationship with zero expectations is not a relationship but more of a friendship.

Setting healthy and realistic expectations can keep you and your partner happy. It is unfair to burden your partner with too much than they can deliver. However, it is also good to have a few expectations that do not harm your relationship in any way. We have seen people losing track of being diagnosed with mental illness and disorders as a result of relationship break ups.

“Most crucial expectation from my partner is support. Nowadays, we are in a relationship with someone but can’t even count the number of places or situations that they have helped you.” Participant Said

It is only human to have certain expectations in a relationship but managing them is where the problem starts from. When it comes to managing expectations, the only way to go about it is through open and honest communication. Here are some of tips on how to manage expectations:

Communication and support: Good and clear communication is essential in any relationship. Being able to share what you expect from each other will help in understanding each other’s needs and building a strong bond.
Lowering your expectations: Having less or manageable expectations will save you from heartbreaks, emotional breakdown and even mental illness. Majority of us expect so much without thinking about the other person.
Someone with the same energy; Relationships should be enjoyable, and partners should make time for fun, adventure, and new experiences together. This cannot happen if you two don’t have the same energy towards some things.
Have reasonable expectations: You should not hold your partner or your relationship to unrealistic expectations. Your expectations should match what you can also deliver. I.e. It may be detrimental to the relationship to expect your partner to spend all their free time with you.

You will build a healthy relationship If both of you are open and willing to discuss your expectations from each other. You should be honest with your partner about the expectations you can meet and those that you will need more time to meet and that’s how you build a relationship together. Remember, every relationship is unique and individual expectations may vary. This is not professional advice but advice from people who have/are in relationships. See you on Tuesday.